Nursing Elites

1. When using the Ballard gestational assessment tool on a newborn, which of the following tests should be performed after the first hour of birth, allowing the newborn to recover from the stress of birth?

• A. Arm recoil
• B. Square window sign
• C. Scarf sign
• D. Popliteal angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Arm recoil. Arm recoil is slower in healthy but fatigued newborns after birth, making it best elicited after the first hour of birth when the baby has had time to recover from the stress of birth. This assessment helps evaluate neuromuscular maturity in newborns and is more accurate when performed after the initial recovery period. The other choices, Square window sign, Scarf sign, and Popliteal angle, are not specifically assessed using the Ballard gestational assessment tool and do not relate to the recovery period after birth.

2. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

3. An infant with congestive heart failure is receiving diuretic therapy. A nurse is closely monitoring the intake and output. The nurse uses which most appropriate method to assess the urine output?

• A. Weighing the diapers
• B. Inserting a Foley catheter
• C. Comparing intake with output
• D. Measuring the amount of water added to formula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weighing the diapers is the most appropriate method to assess urine output in infants. Diapers will absorb and retain urine, providing a measurable indicator of urine output without invasive procedures. This method is non-invasive, simple, and convenient for monitoring urine output, especially in infants who may not be able to use other urine output measurement techniques. Inserting a Foley catheter is invasive and not indicated for routine urine output monitoring in infants. Comparing intake with output does not directly measure urine output. Measuring the amount of water added to formula does not provide an accurate assessment of urine output.

4. A toddler is admitted to the hospital because of sudden hoarseness, holding or pointing to their neck, and continuous cough. The nurse will be particularly concerned about:

• A. Acute respiratory tract infection
• B. Respiratory tract obstruction caused by a foreign body
• C. Retropharyngeal abscess
• D. Undetected laryngeal abnormality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a toddler presenting with sudden hoarseness, holding or pointing to their neck, and continuous cough, the nurse should be particularly concerned about respiratory tract obstruction caused by a foreign body. These symptoms are indicative of a possible foreign body in the airway, which can lead to serious complications and requires immediate attention to ensure the toddler's airway remains patent and unobstructed.

5. Following the initial steps of resuscitation, a newborn remains apneic and cyanotic. What should you do next?

• A. begin ventilations with a bag-mask device.
• B. gently flick the soles of their feet for up to 60 seconds.
• C. immediately suction their mouth and nose.
• D. start CPR if the heart rate is less than 80 beats/min.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If a newborn remains apneic and cyanotic after the initial resuscitation steps, the next appropriate action is to begin ventilations with a bag-mask device. This helps provide oxygen to the newborn and can be crucial in supporting their respiratory efforts. Option B of flicking the soles of their feet is not recommended in this scenario as the priority is addressing the respiratory distress. Option C of suctioning their mouth and nose is not the immediate next step if the newborn is not spontaneously breathing. Option D of starting CPR based only on the heart rate is not the first-line intervention for an apneic and cyanotic newborn.

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